When the pandemic hit and pretty fresh off a massive disappointment with Game of Thrones ending, I began to read a Song of Ice and Fire to try to get some sense of what might actually be happening in that world only to come to the end of the existing books and realize it was not finished.

I heard about The Wheel of Time being adapted into a show for television and looked up the story and it was complete! The show in the works is what motivated me to read The Wheel of Time series and I finished all 14 books and the prequel in 3 months. I promptly turned around and read them again because I missed the world and the compelling characters despite the gender dynamics of 1999, so much that I needed to return to the world. I remember seeing that Rosamund Pike whose talent I respect immensely being selected for Moiraine initially my favorite character and thinking she’s too tall. I forgot all about Moiraine’s stature in the books when I had the pleasure of experiencing Rosamund’s interpretation of Moiraine. Rosamund knows Moiraine and now on re reads she is my head canon for Moiraine Damodred.

So many strong female characters and compelling male characters too that were tackling struggles not commonly seen in fantasy. The diversity and multiple cultures mixed up in this world due to the Breaking were fascinating and new. Rafe Judkins assembled a team of creatives of all types that I don’t think I have ever appreciated more especially due to the sprawling story in this world that expands as it moves forward. Usually women in fantasy are there to be victims of sexual assault whether it’s called that or not. In The Wheel of Time we are allowed to be people with power, agency and complex motivations. It was really gratifying to be represented in positive ways no matter your ethnicity, gender, or cultural background.

I want to give a shout out to every one involved with the show, but someone I don’t think gets enough kudos is the casting director Kelly Valentine Hendry because all the castings are amazing.
I can’t end this without calling attention to my favorite character after you know what happens in the books my lovely, Elayne Trakand. Our daughter heir of Andor. Elayne is brave and a little crazy and I love her for it. Ceara Coveney brought her to life in ways that i cannot possibly express how much I appreciate. When asked who my favorite character is I proudly reply Elayne and often I hear, Oh you’re the one. Ceara changed that and now so many more people get to experience the joy of knowing Elayne in some of the ways I do.

I thank each and every one of you who has played a role in bringing Wheel of Time to life on my TV. I and all my Wheel of Time friends are fighting hard to pull this show back together with another service. Wish us all luck.